This poem started out with the premise (my own personal theory) that the donkey was the first to enter the Ark. But then I realized how wrong that would be! Of course, the donkey would stay by Noah's side and oversee all the other animals safety. In many picture books I've found indeed there are donkeys by the side of Noah and his family. One especially touching and beautiful book is called "The Story of Noah and the Ark", with paintings by Grennady Spirin. The end scene is a donkey being in the middle of an embrace and prayer on dry land near the rainbow. So with that correction in mind here is my "donkey" version of Noah and the Ark.
Last Steps First
There is a story
As yet to be told
And though I'm most humble
I'll venture, this once, to be bold.
When God spoke to Noah
I was there at his side
And when he built the great Ark
I was the last animal inside.
I am Noah's Donkey
His friend and his guide
Through all the Ark's building
He kept me by his side.
I helped as he gathered
All the animals as they came,
And when more tried to enter
It was my warning to bray!
Though it broke many a heart
To turn them away.
I stood by Noah's side
Patiently waiting the tide
As all the other animals
Two by two walked inside.
And when all were safe
The water did rise,
So I entered with Noah
We went in side by side.
Last were my steps
To cross the threshold he bade
My indispensable steps
Of a covenant made.
And when the rains stopped
And land did we see
We settled and let
All the animals free.
But Noah he stopped,
And turned slowly with me
Saying, "Go forth together with me
My friend, you were last on the Ark,
But first in my heart,
God's most faithful Donkey."